Repotting NOID Phals

[moongirlz]

So, Ive got some general questions on repotting Phals. I realize that some of these questions have most likely been asked and answered before, and I was directed to the thread "The Phal abuse ends here", so Ive been going through that. I probably shouldn't have stuck to just that, so I apologize beforehand for asking questions that many people before me have asked.



I have a regular sized NOID phal that was a gift, bought at a Trader Joe's. Ive had it for two and a half weeks, and roughly a week ago I noticed that there was mold growing on the roots and medium(bark) at the surface. I've left it alone since, and have ordered orchid mix from repotme.com
The orchid is currently in bloom (and actually looks a lot better than it did the day I got it, save for the mold growth). I know you're generally not supposed to repot when the plant is blooming(and/ or repot immediately when you get the plant. I didn't know this previously).
I'll be repotting it in a few days, because of the mold. Are there any precautions I should be taking, or specific steps I need to take when repotting this Phal?

Then, my grandmother also has a few Phals herself( a total of four), two of which I inspected today and have root rot. The other two have a good number of aerial roots. One of these has four new roots coming in. The last plant has a spike that has started growing. We were also planning on repotting all of these, due to the fact she's had them all a few years. Is it safe to repot the Phal that has spike growth, or should we hold off until it finishes blooming? (The spike is about one centimeter so far, maybe a bit more)

And does anyone have experience with mini Phals? Ive got four, all of which I wanted to repot as well because they're packed pretty tightly with moss. The roots of all of them are in good condition, and three of them are in bloom.

I've only just gotten more into being more involved with orchids, due to my newfound attraction to the miniature ones I've seen around and bought. I apologize again for this massive post.

Any input will be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

-Elena

[The Orchid Boy]

Don't ever repot an orchid that is in bloom. If it is in very low spike ten it may be alright. The one with mold, make sure it isn't getting overwatered. Care for mini phals exactlly the same as you would normal ones. I pot all my phals in sphagnum moss in clear pots but you use what works best for you.

[WhiteRabbit]

Many Phals won't mind being repotted while blooming, but some may drop some or all blooms and or buds. But it won't harm the plant. If there is a suspected problem with the potting media, it can be preferable to risk losing the blooms.

For possible mold, you could try pouring hydrogen-peroxide 3% thru the media. You can also soak the roots in it prior to repotting.

Is the mold white and fuzzy, or do you have something black or green? Black or green is quite possibly algae, which doesn't harm anything as long as roots aren't entirely covered and it's not blocking the pot drainage.

[moongirlz]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Is the mold white and fuzzy, or do you have something black or green?

The mold is white and fuzzy.

Concerning the hydrogen peroxide and soaking the roots, should I be cutting off the affected roots or would soaking them be sufficient enough to rid them of the mold?

[Carpe Diem]

I buy everything in bud or bloom and repot as soon as I get the plant home. None of my Phals objected to that treatment in any way. Due to the climate, all my orchids are in bark mix and clear plastic pots, I'm further north than you are.
I would repot in fresh medium, a new pot or the well scrubbed old pot, after cleaning the roots really well under running water.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a positive outcome.

[WhiteRabbit]

If the roots look healthy otherwise, I would not cut them. H2O2 plus fresh potting media should do the trick.

[moongirlz]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I repotted my gradnmother's Phals today, and only one of them needed extensive trimming of rotten roots. We've placed it closer to a window than it was, and hopefully it'll have new root growth soon, even without extra effort.

I'll be repottng mine tomorrow. Again, thanks for the input (:

-Elena